Comments for London, Julie, London by Night

"London by Night" is definitely one of Julie`s moodiest efforts. The order of songs weaves a story of a young woman finding love, losing it, and finding it again...call it an early jazz concept album. Julie`s in perfect voice on Rodgers and Hammerstein`s "That`s For Me" and Noel Coward`s "Mad About the Boy"...the richness and intimacy of her vocals can`t be shown any better than here. She also shines on two songs written by her husband, Bobby Troup (of "Route 66" writing fame), the stellar ballads "Well, Sir" and "Just the Way I Am." But her best vocal lies on the track "In the Middle of a Kiss," a less-often-heard ballad that Julie breathes glorious life into. Conductor Pete King and his orchestra provide a beautiful backdrop for Julie, but unfortunately, twelve ballads (and some a bit obscure, at that) backed by full orchestra lead to a bit of melodrama and monotony by the time you`re a little more than halfway through. Had the "in love" stage of this concept album featured a couple of uptempo numbers, the idea might have worked a little better. "London by Night" is still a necessity for fans thanks to Julie`s stunning vocals, but the production and overall mood of the album does wear a bit thin.